Joseph was the second of four children of Hannah Craven, who at the time of the 1911 census was a widow described as a mattress and bedding dealer and cleaner.On 28 August 1918, the Shipley Times & Express reported:Mrs Craven of 18 Saltaire Road, Shipley, has received word that her son, Pte J H Craven, West Yorks Regt, aged 18, was killed in action on 28th July.He worked for the Baildon Coming Co, was connected with the Shipley Parish Church and joined the colours in February of this year.